Overview:

This Zaxara, the Exemplary deck focuses on X-cost spell synergy to create massive Hydra tokens and generate infinite mana combos. The deck leverages cost reducers like Gargos, Vicious Watcher and mana amplifiers like Nyxbloom Ancient to fuel game-ending X spells like Torment of Hailfire and Villainous Wealth. Key combos with Freed from the Real/Pemmin's Aura on Zaxara enable infinite mana, while backup plans include overwhelming with doubled/tripled Hydras via Unbound Flourishing and Branching Evolution.

Primer:

Core Strategy:
Deploy Zaxara early using 1-2 mana ramp (e.g., Sol Ring, Arcane Signet), then cast X spells to generate Hydras while assembling infinite mana combos. Three main phases:

1. Ramp & Setup: Cast Zaxara by T3-4 using 10+ ramp sources. Protect it with Swiftfoot Boots/Asceticism.
2. Value Engine: Use X-cost interaction like Blue Sun's Twilight for control while building Hydra army. Yarok, the Desecrated doubles Hydra token triggers.
3. Combo Finish: Tutor for Freed from the Real/Pemmin's Aura to generate infinite mana with Zaxara's ability, then cast Torment of Hailfire or Finale of Devastation for lethal.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 3 lands + 2 ramp pieces (e.g., Sol Ring + Chromatic Lantern).
• Prioritize early protection (Swiftfoot Boots) over high-CMC payoffs.
• Reject hands lacking blue mana for counterspells.

Key Tips:

• Use Training Grounds to reduce Zaxara’s activation cost for faster combo assembly.
• Unbound Flourishing doubles both X-values and copy triggers for exponential growth.
• Finale of Devastation can fetch Craterhoof Behemoth as backup wincon.

Weaknesses:

Critical:

• Relies on Zaxara staying alive (3+ removals cripple the deck).
• Infinite mana combos require specific unprotected pieces.

Moderate:

• Limited graveyard recursion for key creatures.
• Vulnerable to Drannith Magistrate/Cursed Totem effects.

Minor:

• Basic-heavy manabase weak to Blood Moon.

Most Important Cards:

• Unbound Flourishing
• Nyxbloom Ancient
• Pemmin's Aura
• Freed from the Real
• Torment of Hailfire
• Finale of Devastation
• Demonic Tutor
• Fierce Guardianship
• Isochron Scepter
• Dramatic Reversal

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 7/10
Can generate infinite mana by T4-5 with optimal draws (T3 with Mana Vault-level acceleration not present). X-spells require setup but scale exponentially.

Resilience: 6/10
Free counterspells (Force of Will, Fierce Guardianship) protect combos, but over-reliance on Zaxara and 2-card combos leaves it vulnerable to focused disruption.

Consistency: 8/10
10+ tutors (including Finale of Devastation, Demonic Tutor) and card draw (Garruk's Uprising, Thassa's Intervention) reliably find combo pieces.

Interaction: 7/10
S-tier counterspells and targeted removal (Force of Will, Black Sun's Twilight), but lacks board wipes beyond Cyclonic Rift-level effects.

Rating Justification:

This deck sits between Optimized Casual (5.5) and Focused Competitive (7.0). Its tutor density and infinite mana combos surpass Precon-level decks, but it lacks the speed (T3 wins) and redundancy of cEDH staples. The reliance on commander-centric strategies and vulnerability to stax align it with High-Power Casual (6.0-6.5).

Power level: 6.0 - 6.5